Defenders Offense Helps Keep Sosa Undefeated
June 17, 2009 - Eastern League (EL1)
Connecticut Defenders News Release
TRENTON, NJ- Connecticut continued its winning ways Tuesday night at Waterfront Park as they defeated Trenton 7-4 for the second consecutive night.
The Defenders used a three run third inning rally to regain the lead and never looked back as they secured another winning series taking game two of the best of three from the Thunder.
Defender's starter, RHP-Henry Sosa (6-0) didn't have his best stuff especially out of the gates as Trenton used three consecutive singles, the last including an RBI by C-Jesus Montero in the first inning to take a 1-0 lead.
Connecticut responded to their starter's struggles in the second as RF-Eddy Martinez-Esteve reached on an error, 3B-Sharlon Schoop walked with one out then LF-Mike Mooney bolted a three run homerun (4) to give the Defenders a 3-1 edge.
Struggles worsened for Sosa in his second frame of work as he gave up a leadoff triple to 3B-Marcos Vechionacci who scored on a LF-Justin Snyder sac fly. The Thunder followed with a walk, and back to back doubles with SS-Eduardo Nunez driving in two runs with his hit, Trenton regained the lead 4-3.
The Defenders yet again backed Sosa, this time scoring three unanswered runs in the third. CF-Mike McBryde reached on a fielder's choice then stole second and scored on a 1B-Brett Pill RBI single to tie the game at four. Pill swiped second, Martinez-Esteve walked and Crawford drew a walk to load the bases. DH-Tyler LaTorre sent a slower chopper to third where Vechionacci barehanded and his throw pulled Smith off the bag at first, allowing Pill to score. Trenton's starter, RHP- Ivan Nova (5-4) frustrated from the innings happenings balked which brought in Martinez-Esteve to give Connecticut a 6-4 lead.
Sosa settled down and completed five innings of work allowing four earned runs off of six hits, walked and struck out a pair in the win. Nova didn't fair as well, allowing six runs-one earned off of eight hits, walked three and struck out four in 6.1 innings in the loss.
Connecticut added an insurance run in the ninth on a Brett Pill league tying RBI double before reliever LHP-Joe Paterson pitched a three up three down ninth for his seventh save of the season.
The Defenders will look for the series sweep tomorrow behind RHP-Brooks McNiven (1-2) coming off his best start of the year as Trenton's righty Ryan Pope (2-5) will hope to salvage a victory. First pitch is slated for 7:05pm at Waterfront Park.
Catch all the action starting with the Defenders Pre-Game Show at 6:50pm on the Defenders Flagship Station WICH 1310AM or online at ctdefenders.com.
• Discuss this story on the Eastern League message board...
Eastern League Stories from June 17, 2009
- Aeros Sweep Fisher Cats in Twin Bill - Akron RubberDucks
- Matusz Masterpiece Sinks Reading - Bowie Baysox
- Calderone & Dopirak Hit HRs as Fisher Cats Get Swept in Doubleheader - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- A Tough Night for the Sea Dogs, Lose 11-5 to Erie - Portland Sea Dogs
- 'Wolves Take Down Sea Dogs 11-5 - Erie SeaWolves
- Trenton Falls to Connecticut - Trenton Thunder
- B-Mets Succumb to Senators 8-1 in Rainy Tilt - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
- Defenders Offense Helps Keep Sosa Undefeated - Connecticut Defenders
- Senators Slam the B-Mets 8-1 on Wednesday Night - Harrisburg Senators
- Toronto's 2008 Double-A MVP Returns to Fisher Cats - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Erie SeaWolves at Portland Sea Dogs - Erie SeaWolves
- Wednesday's Game Vs. New Britain Rained Out - Altoona Curve
- Aeros Media Notes - Akron RubberDucks
- Kraft Singles Teams Up With Minor League Baseball - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
- Curve Game Notes June 17 - Altoona Curve
- Recent Curve Promotions Make Minor League Baseballs "Top 10" - Altoona Curve
- Scotts Miracle-Gro #60 Ford & Kyle Petty Coming To Cats' Stadium June 26 - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
